By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
We are talking about the only pair in the Euroleague playoffs with a distinguishable favorite. One that wants to sweep the obvious underdog and finish things as quickly as possible. But will the latter be subdued as easily as most expect?
CSKA Moscow is literally the top team in every single statistical category related to offense (points scored, total index rating, field goal percentages, assists). These numbers serve as a testament for the impressive fluidity that empowers the Russians’ attacking waves and often builds them up to the proportions of a basketball tsunami.
While not the ones with the best record in the Top 16 (10-4, compared to the 11-3 of Fenerbahce in Group E), they have managed to finish first in what was indubitably the most difficult Group in the history of the competition. And that is definitely saying something for a team that has been plagued with injuries, forcing coach Itoudis to rarely work with all players at his disposal. Whatever the case might be, they definitely look at Crvena Zvezda from a position of strength and with an aura of intimidation.
But Crvena Zvezda has nothing to lose going into the series, therefore there is nothing to fear, no thing to be lost, and many that can be gained. The team is already considered successful in this season’s Euroleague after making it to the playoffs for the first time ever in the history of the club. “Pressure” is an unknown word to Red Star right now and this will help them perform the team-oriented, “tight” basketball that has led them so far.
Despite their opponents’ clear superiority, coach Radonjic’s players have no intention of serving as “punching bags” or “dummies” for CSKA‘s pre-Final Four training sessions. They are going to fight tooth and nail, especially in the “hellish” atmosphere of their home court.
The Stars:
Nando De Colo is not simply the “creme de la creme” of what CSKA has to offer. He is the top performer and scorer in Euroleague, with average numbers of 19.7 points and 24.7 in the index rating. If you add the 5 assists he dishes to his teammates in each game, you can easily realize the impact he has in the most well oiled offensive machine in the competition right now.
If there was a “rookie of the year” award, then he would be a strong candidate to win it. Quincy Miller has introduced himself to the European crowd with a a stylish combo of 14.2 points and 6 rebounds per game. He might be new to the playoff experience, but definitely up for the challenges it brings. Silencing his weapons, would be a major priority for CSKA, but this is easier said than done.
Key Match-Up:
As one of the most improved players in Euroleague, Maik Zirbes has stroke fear in the hearts of nearly all opposing big guys he has faced so far. Highly lethal after the pick n’ roll, or in post-up situations, he scores 13 points per game (shooting with 62.9%). He is also Zvezda’s top rebounder and performer averaging 6.3 and 14.9 respectively.
The numbers of Kyle Hines (10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 13 ranking per game) might not look that impressive, but since we are talking about the most unique center in the competition, his virtues in the game expand to places not described in any statistics’ sheet. Arguably the best defensive player in CSKA, his duties will be many and diverse. Stopping Zirbes is surely highlighted in his “to do” list.
The X-Factors:
Milos Teodosic, of CSKA Moscow and Stefan Jovic, of Crvena Zvezda, average 5.8 assists per game, so they basically provide the fuel that keeps their teams’ engines running. Of course, Milos’ output is rich in scoring as well (16.5 p.p.g.), while Jovic (6.4 p.p.g.) prefers to leave that job to others. Nevertheless they are both the floor generals who will dictate the rhythm and be responsible for the well being of their squads’ offensive game.
The Coaches:
The playoffs are going to be an interesting challenge for Dejan Radonjic, of Crvena Zvezda, since has never coached at this level before. On the other side of the court, stands Dimitris Itoudis who last year, in his first experience as a head coach in the playoffs, led CSKA Moscow to a 3-1 against Panathinaikos.
The Tradition:
This is going to be the first time in which CSKA Moscow and Crvena Zvezda will play against each other. The Russians has missed the playoffs only once (2011), winning all other series (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) they have participated in. So the odds are greatly in their favor. As we mentioned above, Red Star will pop its “Euroleague playoff cherry” this time.
Easter Egg:
It is a well known fact that Milos Teodosic is a fan of Red Star. But as he specifically said to Eurohoops, there is no room for emotions in the fierce battle for the qualification to the Final Four.